By Zaldy De Layola, November 12, 2024; Philippine News Agency

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1237633

MANILA – A House resolution was filed Tuesday urging government agencies to streamline, simplify, and liberalize requirements and processes in availing of public services.

House Resolution No. 2051 calls for the effective implementation of Republic Act (RA) No. 9485 or the Anti-Red Tape Act and RA 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act as more Filipinos seek government assistance to recover from the severe impacts of weather disturbances the last three weeks.

Resolution author Agri Party-list Rep. Wilbert Lee said it is unjustifiable to add burdens to the people whose lives and properties were ravaged by a series of tropical cyclones.

“Even with the enactment of these laws and their related regulations, persistent issues and challenges such as excessive paperwork, long hours of the application process, burdensome submission of unnecessary requirements, and insufficient technological integration continue to obstruct efficient delivery of services of various government programs and services,” Lee said in a news release.

The lawmaker from Bicol, one of the hardest hit regions by Kristine, said tedious processes could cultivate corruption in agencies.

“There’s an urgent need for decisive and radical action to effectively simplify and liberalize government processes, and weed out red tape and corruption in agencies,” he said.

Lee said the same tedious processes continue to hound sick Filipinos who lack access to healthcare services.